THANKS A LOT MR. PRESIDENT

5:45am Wake up. TEST (then eat breakfast).

Get ready for work. (Before getting behind the wheel) TEST.

8:30am/9:00am TEST (to make sure my previous amount of insulin worked well). Eat a snack.

11:00am TEST (sometimes) (to make sure my previous amount of insulin worked well). Maybe I eat lunch now.

If I wait until noon to eat TEST.

2:00pm TEST (to make sure my previous insulin worked well, my numbers are ok, etc).

3:30pm I'm usually hungry for a snack. TEST

4:30pm Get ready to leave work. TEST before getting behind the wheel.

Get home anywhere between 4:45pm-6:00pm depending on traffic and picking Derek up from train.

7:00pm TEST before eating.

9:00pm TEST to make sure everything is working ok.

Anywhere between 10:00pm-11:00pm TEST before going to bed.

Occasionally if I wake up in the middle of the night and am interested where my blood sugar is at TEST.

That's 12 BLOOD TESTS...and this is on a day I'm not exercising. You can add another 3 TESTS or so as I TEST more frequently as it gets closer to my actual workout. After my workout. And, if I'm not feeling well, sometimes during my work out.

What about on days I go low. You know the drill: Glucose, juice, etc. Retest in 15 minutes. Still low. Repeat. Same with a high...Take large dose of insulin. Test in 30-60minutes. Keep testing until back in range.

My current Rx allows for 700 strips for a 30 day period.

You can see why I was upset when I received a letter saying I would now only be covered for
no more than 200 strips/30 days.

After calling my health insurance company, the rep confirmed that it was due to the new health care reform. Insurance companies had to reevaluate certain drugs and cut back.

So, apparently the Food and Drug Administration recommends only testing your blood sugar 6 times a day.
Really? And what does the American Diabetes Association recommend?
What about my endocrinologist who is a Diabetes Specialist, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, Professor and Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center out of the University of Chicago?
What does he recommend?

A LOT MORE THAN 6 times a day!!!!

I'm tired of the FDA approving chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics in our food, but putting limits on me and not thinking its a good idea to take care of my Diabetes.

I'm not scamming the system. I'm a hard working American who has always had a job, so I could make money, pay my bills, and yes, because I have Diabetes, unfortunately, health insurance is a big factor in where I work and what I do.

I test a lot, and it's not always fun, but I'm trying to do the best I can to be the healthiest I can.

The good thing is that this doesn't go into affect until April and my doctor can write a letter stating why he thinks it's necessary for me to test more than 6 times a day.

The letter of medical necessity will be reviewed by the Prescription Research Team and they will decide whether or not my full RX will be covered.

The letter that was sent stated I could still order my full RX, but I would then pay out of pocket for anything over 200 strips....that's $500/month!!!

It was an overwhelming day thinking about all of this and day dreaming about the worst case scenario.
I sent a tweet to the White House before getting into bed. I know, it's a long shot.

Jen Enger (sunnyside_life) on Twitter: sunnyside_life Jen Enger
@whitehouse/usg just got denied coverage 4 basic diabetes supplies ive used 4 22yrs due 2 healthcare reform. Thanks a lot!!!
13 hours ago

I started to cry as I lay in bed thinking, "I'm just so tired of Diabetes".
Derek wrapped his arms around me and said, "Oh Jenny, it's ok. The Bears might win it next year."
Of course I laughed, and through my snots and tears said, "I know, but I just figured I'd cry it out for the both of us."
And before he fell asleep, he pulled me in closer and sang, "Ooooh child, things are gonna get easier, oooh child, things will get brighter."

I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

I woke up to an email from my mom with this quote from Tony Evans:
"When God allows trouble in your life, He has a purpose. Dignify your difficulty by finding meaning in the trial."

I know God is BIGGER than the health care system.
All I can do is pray...and enjoy my husband's bedtime serenades!!!!

AS IF HAVING DIABETES WASN'T WEIRD ENOUGH...

There's a lot to deal with when having Diabetes.
It's there 24/7 and you can never just turn it off.
My mind is always thinking of the next step, next blood sugar, next meal, amount of carbs, how much insulin to give, how much is already on board, what will my activity level look like today...

To the average on-looker, Diabetes may not make sense, may seem scary, weird even.

So it's situations like this that make me throw my hands up in the air and scream: "As is Diabetes wasn't weird enough..."

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My breakfast consisted of a small package of peanut butter crackers and a shot of Kefir. I didn't plan ahead, so I just grabbed whatever I could find in the pantry.


source



source

As I got closer to work, I could feel my stomach rumbling and attacking my insides. I debated about stopping for coffee or just waiting and grabbing my favorite tea latte from the cafe at work.

As I pulled into the parking garage it dawned on me that I could get an entire breakfast at the cafeteria for the same price as a Starbucks latte.

So, for $3.85 I picked up a deluxe omelet (with onions, tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, and cheese), 2 turkey sausage patties, a piece of toast with blackberry jam, and a diet coke.

I settled into my desk to start my day.
Taking a big cheesy bite of omelet with ketchup... I began to choke.
The bite was just too big and all of a sudden I found myself drowning in cheese as the room spun.

Trying not to make a big scene I did what I could to swallow it all, with the assistance of some diet coke.
It didn't go as planned, causing it all to go in the wrong direction.
My breakfast didn't come out, rather, it went back and then up.
I could feel the ketchup burning in my nostrils and my face felt like it was on fire.

source




















My eyes started tearing up but I remained calm.
For the next 30 minutes,
I proceeded to blow ketchup and bits of egg out of my nose.

The weird feeling in my throat just wouldn't go away and I finally mustered up the courage to do a half snort/half clearing of my throat.
Down came the final chunks of my omelet...up my nose...down my throat...and back into my stomach where it belonged.

I often think I should be exempt from getting "real people sick" like with a cold or the flu.
I spend 365 days a year dealing with managing Diabetes, the least I ask for is to not have to deal with any other kind of health issue.

And today, after spending a half hour trying to rid my nasal cavities of my breakfast I thought....could I be exempt from anything weird like this happening again...
Diabetes is weird enough.

Next time I'll opt for the tea latte.


source



THE PASSING OF A LEGEND...

(source)

























When I was a little girl,
I went to a signing around Christmas time.
He autographed a picture and I gave him a box of sugar-free candy canes.
I was nervous to meet him,
but excited that we had Diabetes in common.

Whenever games were on cable,
Derek and I would listen on the radio
and crack up at his enthusiastic commentary.
Most times when the games were on TV,
we'd still listen on the radio, just to hear him.

And this morning I teared up,
listening to the news reporters
speak so highly of a great legend who passed away
... Ron Santo.


(source)















One of the greatest 3rd basemen to play for the Cubs.
The greatest Cubs fan there ever was.
The heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs.

It's always exciting to see or hear about an athlete with Diabetes.
It's hard enough dealing with wacky blood sugars during a 30 minute run,
or an hour long yoga class.

So, my respect and admiration go out to
athletes with Diabetes who put their bodies through
discipline and physical training
year round, for a living.



(source)

























Ron Santo was quiet about having Diabetes during the years he played.
Back in the 70's he gauged his blood sugar levels based on his moods.
If he felt he was going low, he would eat a candy bar during a game!
He ended up getting both legs amputated due to Diabetes complications.
We've sure come a long way!

The world definitely knows the triumphs and struggles Santo had with Diabetes
as he's played such a big part in raising money, awareness, & research
with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

It's been a while since I've done a Ron Santo Diabetes Walk-a-thon.
I think I'll do that this year.



(source)

















Come on Cubbies,
let's win it this year for Ron Santo...
A great man and legend who will be missed by all!




(source)



TIS THE SEASON...FOR SWEET POTATOES

I was so excited when Cristy from the
North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission contacted me.

They are currently reaching out to diabetic bloggers in an effort to teach the diabetic community about the benefits of sweet potatoes in our diet.

What perfect timing with Thanksgiving coming up, my itch to try new recipes, my constant quest to live and eat healthier, and my new found love for sweet potatoes!

My Sweet Potato Package arrived last week at work.

Was it rude of me to not share my sweet potato biscotti with my co-workers?!?!

I took it home, ate some biscotti, looked over the recipes and drooled, ate some more biscotti, and read the material on the health benefits of adding Sweet Potatoes to your diet, particularly for those with Diabetes.

So stay tuned for more info, some delicious recipes, and good 'ol fun with sweet potatoes!!!

***I may or may have not eaten ALL of the sweet potato biscotti...but I'll never tell***

BIG BLUE, PART 2

I'm well aware that I have never been without any medical supplies.
Growing up my dad had amazing health insurance coverage and we had closets (yes, plural) filled with supplies.
Now grown up and on my own insurance,
I am again, blessed with everything I need.

* All it took was a phone call from my doctor to get set up with sensors and my continuous glucose monitor.
* My pump just ran out of warranty in August.
* One phone call and I was upgraded to the newest model.
* I even got to choose the color I wanted (pink!), and it was sent to my work just days later.
* My insurance was so good in fact, that after turning in my old pump, I had a credit of money on my account...so essentially, I got paid to go on an upgraded pump.

Not everyone is as fortunate
and some even lack a basic needle and vial of insulin they need to keep them alive!!!

BUT...many people and various organizations have come together to make it possible for children with Diabetes in some of the poorest countries to receive the insulin they need.

And to make it happen, all you need to do is watch this video:



Up until November 14th (World Diabetes Day), money will be donated to this cause.
Read the press release here to find out more info:
Thanks for doing your part.

GO BIG BLUE!!!!   :)

BIG BLUE

You know when you're watching football on tv and they announce the players?
Not at the beginning of the game where they run onto the field, but when a little square pops up at the bottom of the screen and a video plays.
Each player says his name and where he went to college.
Know what I'm talking about???

Football season is big around our home and if you were to sit down and watch a game with Derek and I, you'd hear me start to giggle when these videos pop up.
Some of the guys say some funny stuff or refer to their college as THE such and such.


Derek's Graduation, TIU, May 2003
(I graduated later that December).
[We were just friends here :) ]



It's funny, but that's not why I'm laughing.

I'm laughing, because I'm getting myself ready to keep a straight face and ask Derek how he'd say our college if he were an NFL player (playing for the Bears of course).

Being the great husband that he is he plays along...

"Derek Enger. BIG BLUE, TIU".

Yes, those were our Halloween costumes!
Derek was a Chicago Bears football player
(the pants and socks were actually worn by real Bears players,
bought at a fan convention) and I was a fan

I don't know if anyone else refers to Trinity International University as the Big Blue...but we do.

This month BIG BLUE has a much greater meaning as November is Diabetes Month...(and blue is the official color that is associated with it).
But more on that later...

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!!!

SOME WEEKS ARE HARDER THAN OTHERS...

I turned the lights off and crawled into bed last night (MUCH later than I had wanted), while an episode of Fresh Prince of Belair played in the background.

He knew I was upset, so despite being exhausted, he stayed up and waited for me to come to bed.

I'm sure he heard me crying just a few rooms away, as I sat on the pantry floor, putting in a new needle, after discovering problems with my current infusion site.

“Are you ok?” he asked.

"Yeah" (I lied).

“Are you crying?”

"Yeah", I sniffled as snots came pouring out of my nose.

“Do you wanna come over here and cuddle?” he asked (I could hear the smile on his face), as he pulled me toward him, forcing me to cuddle.

"ok" I whispered, like a little girl, beginning to uncontrollably weep.

He wrapped his arms around me tightly, making me feel safe. "Did you get a new needle in?" he said calmly. I knew he was trying to help me see something good at the moment.

"yeah" I whispered again.

"Then everything is going to be ok," he calmly rationalized.

"I’m just really frustrated." I began to weep even harder.

“I understand,” he sympathized.

"I’m tired of poking myself". I whined, again like a little girl.

“I understand,” He said again.


Diabetes has been kicking my butt this week. Not so much as far as blood sugar goes. It’s the emotional side of it all that has taken a toll on me lately.

First, there was the awful news of Eilish, then going through 4 failed and painful sensors in 24 hours, and now a late night infusion set issue.

It’s weeks like this that make me feel like it’s just too overwhelming.

It’s too much work, and I’m tired of it.

I don’t wanna poke myself anymore.

I don’t wanna measure and weigh and count the carbs of every stinkin thing I put into my mouth.

I don't wanna plan out my every move, constantly thinking about where my blood sugar is at.

I don't wanna be reminded of the complications of living with Diabetes for 21 years that are possibly waiting around the corner for me.

I know I shouldn’t “give up”…and I’m certainly not…it just feels like this week, Diabetes wins.

Sometimes I just need to cry it out. I need to get mad and say, "It's not fair, I didn't ask for this, why me..." I need Derek to hold me and to listen to me while I'm upset, and to tell me he understands.

...but then I need to get up, determined to not let Diabetes upset me or stop me from doing anything I want to do.
 
So I woke up this morning, knowing it was a brand new day, and everything seemed a little bit better.

Psalm 30:5b "Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."

LIFE GETS BUSY

I've been a bad blogger.

I've continued to read blogs each day, but I've just been too busy to keep up with my own.

Here's a little bit of what I've been busy with...







Traveling all over "France" with Carly.



Attending Renegade, an amazing craft fair, where I met the famous Elsie & Katie.

Celebrating my Grandma FINALLY retiring.

Hanging out with friends, watching the Bears win,
and eating fattening foods
in Dallas that kicked my blood sugar's butt.



Closing out the Summer at Ravinia with Dave & Jenny.



Hanging out with friends...who ALL have kids!
Yes, we were the only couple there without kids, and Yes,
we're OK with that :)



And getting blisters and black feet from walking
ALL over NYC!!!
Yes, we may have attended a football game,
but I don't wanna talk about it :(


What have you been up to lately?!?!
...off to another busy and fun weekend.



PURE SOPHISTICATION

What's a girl to do when her husband is at a Fantasy Football Draft Party???


Dine on fine cuisine...

Dabble in the arts...

Invest in highly intellectual reading...

Get back in touch with my roots...

Watch a documentary on love...

Yes, while my husband was eating pizza, talking football, and hanging with the guys...I was being far more sophisticated.


*Diabetic Bloggers....how in the world do you bolus for sushi and California rolls? I have always just guessed...and then inevitably had to correct later. I can't figure out the carb content for this stuff for the life of me. HELP!!!

DIABETES ART DAY

It's finally here, September 1st...the first official Diabetes Art Day!!!

Lee Ann, Diabetes blogger and art therapist of The Butter Compartment had this great idea to take a day and celebrate and express Diabetes through art.

Check out how other bloggers are celebrating here. Unfortunately, you won't find anything from me...I've procrastinated once again and never got around to creating anything. I originally had this great idea of incorporating all of my Diabetes paraphernalia and creating this breath-taking masterpiece.

Instead, bare with me while I share a few thoughts on art and Diabetes.
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Diabetes involves a lot of science. We know type 1 diabetes (also known as Juvenile Diabetes) is caused by a process in the body where the body's own immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (or beta) cells, and occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. It is still unknown what causes this autoimmune destruction process, but some would argue that environmental factors are to blame.

Either way, a person with type 1 Diabetes like myself, is now left to manually inject themselves with insulin that their pancreas no longer produces. Diabetes. A chronic, autoimmune disease...science!

While science is greatly involved in getting Diabetes, living with Diabetes is truly an art. In my experience, it takes a lot of creativity to successfully live with Diabetes, while managing it well...and not going insane :)

It's an art balancing diet, exercise, insulin dosages, blood sugar management...and getting all of your healthy veggies in.

There's an art to sticking loads of spinach, other greens, and fresh fruit into breakfast smoothies, making sure to get all the nutrients I need, without taking in too many carbs that spike my blood sugar. There's also an art to making brussel sprouts tasty using butter and roasted almonds (a wonderful recipe from my gma).

There's an art to getting dressed in the morning. Not because I'm this amazing fashionista...but because I have 2 needles in my stomach that can get irritated if clothing is too tight or rubbed the wrong way. And I have tubing and wiring that needs to be tucked away somewhere. And I have an insulin pump that needs to be clipped somewhere...preferably not exposed to keep it protected, but easily accessible so I can push the buttons and read the screen when I need to.

(That's why this dress with pockets from Anthropologie is perfect...and why I need to take up sewing)!

It's an art educating people about diabetes and talking to others about my experience living with it. It's an artistic balance letting others know what I go through on a daily basis while not flailing my arms in the air, crying and making people feel sorry for me...while at the same time, not playing it off like it's really no big deal at all.

It truly is an art as I go about my daily routines, adjusting to what life and Diabetes throws at me each day. It can be an art to stay upbeat sometimes when nothing seems to be going right, blood sugars are high and low, and all I want to do is crawl back into bed.

Yes, Diabetes is a science...but surviving, thriving, and living with it is truly an art.

I am a masterpiece...God's work of art...Diabetes included!

FRIDAY FAVES: CUGINI!!!

* With a week full of new weekly blog segments (found here and here)...we might as well end with another one...FRIDAY FAVES!

Yes, yet another segment to add to the list to keep me busy blogging away.

As opposed to my WEDNESDAY WISHLIST, where I blog about what I'm wishing for...this will be a segment of recent finds, things, places, etc. that are my favorite.

Without further ado, my current FRIDAY FAVE...

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I can't imagine life without them. We grew up having sleepovers every weekend, getting together at Grandma's once a month for homemade ravs. We played handball in the basement and laughed all day long.

They were ALL involved in our wedding, and I couldn't have imagined the special day without them.

When I roll over in the morning as I'm waking up, I first see Derek... and then a picture of them on the wall just above Derek's head.

We've had many celebrations, lots of laughter, and few tears together.

They are...MY CUGINI!!! (which mean COUSINS...in Italian).

The timing couldn't be more perfect for the cugini picnic! We have our more extended cugini with us...me and my cousins and our parents' cousins and kids. The group keeps growing.

We eat, laugh, eat, play bacci ball, eat, and enjoy being together every summer. Did I mention we like to eat a lot?!?! We're ITALIAN! (and yes, several of us have DIABETES...both types 1 and 2).

 Looking forward to a weekend of lots of food & family
...and the first home pre-season Bears game.

What are your current Friday Faves?

WEDNESDAY WISHLIST

*Wednesday Wishlist is another weekly feature I'd like to add to the blog...because who doesn't like to day dream and wish for things?!?!

With only 1 Wednesday Wishlist behind me, and without further ado...I continue to Wish-Away!!!*



If money were no issue, everyone was fed, and there was Peace on Earth…I would wish for:

(As ALWAYS)
...a new, healthy, insulin producing
 and functioning Pancreas

(source)

AND...a vacation to France.

(+)

(+)

(+)

Sometimes it would be nice to just take a vacation away from Diabetes...but that can't happen since Diabetes fights for my attention 24/7/365. And ironically, taking trips and going on vacation usually makes Diabetes more of a pain
+ packing extra supplies,
+ going through Airport Security,
+ unusual eating schedules and activities, etc.

Fortunately, I was able to go to France with a friend yesterday
...without even leaving the city!

I promise to post more later, pictures and all!


Happy Wednesday!!! What are you Wishing for?!?!